Sebastian Coe Supports Trump’s Ban on Transgender Athletes and Signals Openness to Russia’s Olympic Return

IOC presidential candidate Coe backs the integrity of women’s sports and suggests Russia’s reintegration could follow a peace deal in Ukraine.

Sebastian Coe, candidate for IOC president, endorsed Donald Trump’s executive order banning transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports, citing the importance of biological distinctions in competition.
Coe emphasized that maintaining the integrity of women’s sports is critical to ensuring fair opportunities for female athletes at all levels.
World Athletics, under Coe’s leadership, plans to introduce cheek swab testing to verify biological eligibility for female categories in elite sports.
Coe expressed willingness to consider Russia’s return to international sports if a peace agreement in Ukraine satisfies all parties involved.
He stated he would be open to discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasizing dialogue as a key to resolving international sports issues.